PSSST!

For Sydney Open, the city’s best buildings throw open their doors, just for one day…

BY SOPHIE DAVIES

Architecture fans, rub your hands together in glee. The annual Sydney Open offers you an access-all-areas pass to the city this Sunday 1 November. More than 50 of Sydney’s most inspiring spaces will unlock their doors for 2015's event, with cutting-edge architecture, heritage edifices and art on display, as well as secret spots normally off limits to all but employees and bike couriers. Descend to disused station platforms, tunnels and crypts, ascend via glass lifts, galleries and roof terraces, or just swing by the quirky Sydney Masonic Centre to discover a hidden universe.

With Sydney Open's buildings list ranging from the CBD to The Rocks, Darlinghurst, Ultimo and Chippendale, it pays to plan your day. Buy a City Pass ticket online, pick up your wristband from one of three central venues, download the mobile app or map, and get ready to share your finds on social media (#SydneyIsOpen @SydLivMus). Adult tickets cost $49, or pay $99 for host Sydney Living Museums'membership deal for priority entry and extra benefits.

Also look out for free talks and tours at some buildings, and queues at others (the app and Twitter feed will tell you where to expect them). Opening hours are 10am to 4pm at most locations, but check the website for specifics. You can also enjoy special offers at Sydney Living Museums' three foodie outlets: The Governors Table, Bistro Mint and Hyde Park Barracks Café. But to feast on inspiration, here are our architectural must-sees…

ABOVE:Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) in The Rocks; looking down into the lobby of Deutsche Bank Place, CBD; the New Hall (Sydney Grammar School Assembly Hall) in DarlinghurstBELOW: Reserve Bank of Australia Building foyer; Shakespeare Room, State Library of NSW; the Atrium inside 50 Martin Place, all CBD sites

Chippendale – creative quarterChippendale and neighbouring Ultimo form a new precinct for Sydney Open 2015. Peppered with independent art galleries and new-wave architecture, 'Chippo' is fast transforming into one of the city's most creative quarters. Don't miss newly launched boutique stay The Old Clare Hotel, revamped from heritage pub The Clare Hotel and a former Carlton & United Breweries administration building by Singaporean whizz Loh Lik Peng of Unlisted Collection and local architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. It's set on Kensington Street, where old workers' cottages are being reimagined as cafés and niche shops, backed by hidden hawker centre Spice Alley. Nearby Central Park Sydney is home to The Steps, design-led student accommodation by a team including Foster+Partners. For more morbid thrills, explore the Mortuary Station, an ornate Gothic Revival building once used by trains transporting the dead.

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ABOVE: Coral pink (Pantone 16-1546) is Pantone’s Colour Of The Year for 2019. Symbolising comfort, warmth and joy this soothing hue is most welcome in these politically uncertain times. Expect to see an outbreak of this nurturing colour across all facets of interiors this year. From rugs to paint colours, from lighting to furniture it looks like we’ll be in the pink in 2019.pantone.com